Industry Beans: The Science of Specialty Coffee
If there is one name that represents the cutting edge of Australia’s global coffee reputation, it’s Industry Beans. Founded in 2013 by brothers Trevor and Steve Simmons in the backstreets of Fitzroy, this powerhouse roaster has spent over a decade redefining what it means to source, roast, and brew the perfect bean.
As a premier destination on our Coffee Lovers Walking Tour, a visit to Industry Beans is an education in the "crop-to-cup" journey. It is the perfect place for our small groups to experience the meticulous science behind Melbourne's daily obsession.
Precision Roasting & High-Tech Design
While Industry Beans operates state-of-the-art open warehouse roasteries, our walking tour zeroes in on their incredibly striking city outposts, such as the minimalist, modern space tucked onto Little Collins Street.
The Modbar Revolution: When you step inside with your guide, the first thing you’ll notice is the distinct lack of a giant, bulky espresso machine blocking the counter. Instead, Industry Beans utilises the space-age La Marzocco Modbar system. The main machinery is hidden beneath the bench, leaving only sleek, minimalist taps protruding from the counter. This design creates a completely open, transparent interaction between the barista, the guest, and the brew.
Seasonal Curation: Rather than sticking to one static flavor profile, they roast a brand-new Seasonal Espresso Blend every three months. This approach allows them to showcase the absolute best beans available from global harvest cycles at that exact moment.
Ethical Sourcing: Traceability is at the core of what they do. They work transparently with farmers across the world's premier coffee-growing regions, ensuring every batch is ethically traded and expertly evaluated.
What to Sip: From Espresso to Innovations
On our specialised coffee itineraries, we don't just drink a standard flat white—we explore how different brewing methods manipulate flavor.
The Roaster's Pick Single Origin: For the purists, their single-origin filter and espresso options highlight individual regional characteristics, ranging from citrusy Ethiopian heirlooms to rich, chocolatey Colombian varieties.
The Fitzroy Iced: A signature creation that has become a Melbourne cult favorite. It features cold brew coffee infused with native Australian wattleseed and organic panela, offering a uniquely local twist on chilled caffeine.
The Bubble Coffee: Proving that coffee can still be playful, this creation combines single-origin cold drip with con-soy milk and coffee-soaked tapioca pearls that burst in your mouth.
Travel Tips for Your Visit
Test Your Knowledge: Our Coffee Lovers Tour finishes in this sophisticated neighborhood precisely so you can put your newly acquired coffee vocabulary to use with their extensive, multi-layered menu.
The Coffee-Spiced Brunch: If you return on your own for breakfast, don't miss their sophisticated food menu. They are famous for integrating coffee into their culinary dishes, like their egg and bacon muffins served with a signature coffee-spiced hollandaise.
Take the Beans Home: They sell their iconic retail bags on-site, including the Fitzroy Street and Rose Street signature blends, which make for the ultimate premium souvenir for the coffee enthusiast in your life.
Decode the Menu Like a Local
Ready to step past the standard cafe counter and understand the art and architecture behind Melbourne’s liquid gold? Join us on the Coffee Lovers Walking Tour, where our passionate local guides take you behind the scenes at world-class venues like Industry Beans. You'll sample different styles, meet expert baristas, and learn exactly how to order like a seasoned local.
